Dive into a warm and hearty bowl of this Instant Pot Beef Stew. It's a classic comfort food taken to the next level of flavor and convenience, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it's a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are standard pantry staples. However, you might need to specially purchase the beef stew meat, which is typically pre-cut and packaged in the meat section of your local supermarket. Also, the recipe calls for yellow potatoes, which have a subtly sweet, buttery flavor and hold their shape well during cooking.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Beef stew meat: This is the star of the show, providing rich, meaty flavor and a hearty texture.
Olive oil: Used for browning the meat, it adds a depth of flavor.
Onion: It imparts a sweet, caramelized flavor when cooked.
Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor kick.
Yellow potatoes: These potatoes hold up well during cooking and add a creamy, buttery texture.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and a contrasting texture.
Beef broth: Forms the base of the stew, providing rich flavor.
Tomato paste: It gives a tanginess and color to the stew.
Dried thyme leaves: Adds an earthy, slightly floral flavor.
Bay leaf: Imparts a unique, subtle flavor.
Frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
Flour: Used to thicken the stew.
Parsley: Used for garnishing and adds a fresh flavor.
One reader, Genni Boudreau says:
This instant pot beef stew recipe is a game-changer! The meat is so tender, and the flavors are rich and comforting. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Plus, it's so easy to make in the instant pot - a real time-saver! I highly recommend trying it out.
Techniques Required for Making Instant Pot Beef Stew
How to brown the beef: In a heated instant pot, add the olive oil and brown the beef stew meat in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper. This will help to develop a rich flavor in the stew.
How to thicken the stew: After the stew is cooked, remove a portion of the liquid and mix it with flour to create a slurry. Adding this back to the stew and simmering will help thicken the stew to the desired consistency.
How to release pressure: After the stew is cooked, carefully vent the pressure valve to release the pressure. Alternatively, you can allow the pressure to release naturally by letting the Instant Pot sit for a few minutes after cooking.
How to serve: Once the stew is ready, sprinkle it with parsley and serve it hot. This hearty beef stew pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.
How To Make Instant Pot Beef Stew
Using the Instant Pot for this beef stew recipe will result in tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is rich in flavor due to the slow cooking method.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 2½lbbeef stew meat
- salt and pepperto taste
- 1oniondiced
- 2tspgarlicminced
- 1lbyellow potatoessmall, quartered
- 4carrotspeeled, halved and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3cupsbeef broth
- 3tbsptomato paste
- 1tspdried thyme leaves
- 1bay leaf
- 1cupfrozen peas
- 3tbspflour
- 2tbspparsleychopped
Instructions
-
Turn the Instant Pot to Saute, then select More. Wait for the pot to heat up, then add the oil.
-
Add half of the stew meat to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until browned.
-
Remove the meat from the pot. Repeat with remaining meat.
-
Place all the meat in the pot along with the onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme leave, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.
-
Stir to combine. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Manual High Pressure for 30 minutes.
-
Carefully vent the pressure valve, or let the pressure release manually.
-
Remove ⅓ cup of stew liquid from the pot. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
-
Pour the flour mixture back into the pot, and turn the pot back to the Saute function.
-
Add the peas to the pot. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or until stew has started to thicken.
-
Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 408.65kcal
- Fat: 11.88g
- Saturated Fat: 4.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.00g
- Carbohydrates: 29.75g
- Fiber: 5.11g
- Sugar: 6.18g
- Protein: 47.58g
- Cholesterol: 119.07mg
- Sodium: 1131.36mg
- Calcium: 84.11mg
- Potassium: 1557.38mg
- Iron: 6.16mg
- Vitamin A: 378.78µg
- Vitamin C: 26.71mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Instant Pot Beef Stew
When browning the beef stew meat, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This could cause the meat to steam instead of sear, preventing that rich, caramelized flavor from developing. If necessary, brown the meat in batches to ensure each piece has enough space.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Beef Stew in an Instant Pot
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cut meat: Save time by purchasing pre-cut stew meat from the grocery store.
Quick release: Utilize the quick release function on the Instant Pot to expedite the pressure release process.
Multi-task: While the stew is cooking, use the time to clean up the kitchen or prepare other components of the meal.
Invest in an electric pressure cooker: An electric pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot, can significantly reduce cooking time for stews and other dishes.
Opt for frozen vegetables: Use frozen pre-cut vegetables to skip the time-consuming step of peeling and chopping fresh produce.
One-pot meal: Make the beef stew a complete meal by adding grains like barley or quinoa directly into the pot.
Cook in bulk: Double the recipe and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient future meals.
Prep the night before: Prepare the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them, so they are ready to be cooked the next day.
Invest in quality kitchen tools: Quality knives, kitchen shears, and a good cutting board can make food prep faster and more efficient.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a neutral substitute for olive oil in cooking, and it has a similar smoke point.
beef stew meat - Substitute with lamb stew meat: Lamb stew meat can be used as a substitute for beef, providing a rich and flavorful alternative.
yellow potatoes - Substitute with red potatoes: Red potatoes can be used as a substitute for yellow potatoes, offering a similar texture and flavor.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, providing a lighter and vegetarian-friendly option.
tomato paste - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a thinner consistency but similar flavor.
dried thyme leaves - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for thyme, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
frozen peas - Substitute with frozen green beans: Frozen green beans can be used as a substitute for peas, providing a different texture and flavor.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a substitute for flour to thicken the stew, providing a gluten-free alternative.
Best Way to Present Instant Pot Beef Stew
Elevate the plating: Arrange the beef stew in a shallow bowl, ensuring that the meat, potatoes, and carrots are visible and well-distributed. The vibrant colors of the vegetables should be showcased, and the stew should be presented in an appetizing manner.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the beef stew to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. The green hues will complement the rich, hearty tones of the stew, enhancing its visual appeal.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the stew in an artistic manner. This not only adds a glossy sheen to the dish but also imparts a subtle depth of flavor.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the beef stew in a sophisticated, high-quality bowl or dish that complements the overall aesthetic. The vessel should enhance the visual appeal of the dish and elevate the dining experience.
Accentuate with edible flowers: Consider adorning the beef stew with delicate, edible flowers such as chive blossoms or nasturtiums. These floral accents will lend a touch of elegance and refinement to the presentation.
Create a harmonious composition: Pay attention to the arrangement of the components, ensuring that the beef, potatoes, and carrots are harmoniously placed to create an aesthetically pleasing composition on the plate.
Highlight with a side element: Accompany the beef stew with a side element, such as a warm, crusty artisan bread or a small portion of creamy mashed potatoes, to add visual interest and elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Beef Stew in an Instant Pot
Instant Pot: The Instant Pot is a versatile electric pressure cooker that can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, including sautéing, pressure cooking, slow cooking, and more. It's a convenient tool for making beef stew and other one-pot meals.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is an essential tool for cutting and preparing the beef stew meat, onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots. It provides precision and control for chopping and dicing ingredients.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and meat for the beef stew. It helps protect the countertop and keeps the kitchen organized.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for accurately measuring ingredients such as olive oil, tomato paste, flour, and parsley to ensure the right balance of flavors and consistency in the beef stew.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and combining the ingredients in the Instant Pot while cooking the beef stew. It's gentle on the pot's surface and helps prevent scratching.
Whisk: A whisk is useful for creating a smooth flour mixture to thicken the beef stew. It ensures that the flour is evenly incorporated into the stew liquid for a consistent texture.
Instant-read thermometer: An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the doneness of the beef stew meat to ensure it reaches the desired level of tenderness and doneness.
Ladle: A ladle is essential for serving the beef stew, allowing for easy portioning and serving of the hearty dish.
Plates and bowls: Plates and bowls are necessary for serving the beef stew, providing a vessel for enjoying the delicious and comforting meal.
Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Let the beef stew cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep the stew fresher for longer.
- If you plan to consume the leftovers within 3-4 days, store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The airtight container will help maintain the stew's flavor and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freeze the beef stew in portion-sized freezer-safe containers or bags. This will allow you to thaw only the amount you need for future meals, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal taste and texture.
- When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the stew freezes. This will prevent the container from cracking or the bag from splitting.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. Beef stew can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
- To reheat the frozen stew, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, you can reheat the stew in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
- If you find that the thawed and reheated stew is thicker than desired, add a small amount of beef broth or water to achieve the preferred consistency. Adjust the seasoning as needed, as freezing can sometimes alter the flavor profile slightly.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef Stew
The best way to reheat leftover instant pot beef stew is to use the pot's built-in saute function. Simply transfer the desired amount of stew into the pot, press the saute button, and stir occasionally until the stew is heated through. This method ensures that the vegetables and meat are evenly warmed without overcooking.
Another effective method is to reheat the stew on the stovetop. Transfer the desired portion into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew appears too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out. Simmer until the stew is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
For a quick and convenient option, you can also reheat individual portions of the stew in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the stew is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the stew, as this can cause the meat to become tough and the vegetables to turn mushy.
If you have the time and prefer a crispy texture, you can transform leftover stew into a delicious pot pie. Transfer the stew into a baking dish, top it with a layer of puff pastry or pie crust, and bake it in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the stew is bubbling. This method adds a new dimension of texture and flavor to the leftover stew.
For a unique twist, you can also repurpose leftover stew as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Simply shred the meat and mix it with the vegetables and sauce, then use the mixture as a hearty filling for your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. This is a great way to give new life to leftover stew and create an entirely new meal.
Interesting Fact About Beef Stew
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed that the dish originated in Belgium, where it was traditionally made with beer. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and peas. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a hearty and delicious meal. Beef stew is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a popular choice for home cooks around the world.
Is Making Beef Stew in an Instant Pot Cost-Effective?
This instant pot beef stew recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients such as beef stew meat, potatoes, and carrots makes it a budget-friendly option. The recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire dish is around $25, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its affordability, hearty nature, and delicious flavors.
Is Beef Stew Healthy or Unhealthy?
The instant pot beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that offers a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, from a nutritional standpoint, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it a healthier option:
- The recipe relies heavily on beef, which is high in saturated fat. While it provides essential nutrients like iron and protein, consuming excessive amounts of red meat has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
- The use of potatoes and carrots adds some fiber and vitamins to the dish, but the overall vegetable content could be higher to provide a greater variety of nutrients.
- The recipe calls for added salt, which may contribute to excessive sodium intake if not monitored carefully.
To enhance the nutritional profile of this beef stew, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of beef and increase the proportion of vegetables. Incorporate a mix of nutrient-dense options like mushrooms, celery, bell peppers, and leafy greens to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Replace some of the potatoes with lower-carb alternatives like turnips, parsnips, or cauliflower to reduce the overall carbohydrate content while maintaining a satisfying texture.
- Use low-sodium beef broth and limit the addition of extra salt. Enhance the flavor with herbs, spices, and aromatics instead.
- Trim any visible fat from the beef before cooking to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Serve the stew with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe
This Instant Pot beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth creates a delicious and satisfying meal. The use of the Instant Pot ensures that the meat is perfectly cooked and the flavors are well-developed in a fraction of the time. The addition of peas at the end adds a pop of color and freshness to the stew. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to become a favorite in any household.
Enhance Your Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Beef Stew
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Instant Pot Beef Stew
Why trust this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful and hearty beef stew that will satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender beef stew meat, aromatic garlic, and savory beef broth creates a rich and comforting dish. The addition of yellow potatoes and carrots provides a delightful texture, while the frozen peas add a pop of color and freshness. With the use of tomato paste and dried thyme leaves, the stew is infused with robust flavors. Trust this recipe for a delicious and wholesome comfort food experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
